Preparation and Alkylation of Carbon Nanofibers from Polymethyl Methacrylate

Carbon nanofibers have revolutionized nanotechnology due to their potential applications in emerging frontiers of research and industrial sectors. This can be attributed to their superior properties such as higher mechanical strength, unique surface characteristics, and improved adherence that is transmitted into the polymer matrix to form a nanocomposite with improved properties. Polymethyl methacrylate is a common carbon source for the synthesis of carbon nanofibres of its high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and low moisture and water absorbing capacity that allows its products to have several applications. In this work, we report the successful electrospinning of carbon nanofibres from Poly methyl methacrylate and functionalizing the resulting carbon nanofibres. The functionalized carbon nanofibres were analyzed to determine their solubility/dispersion in selected organic solvents, then characterized using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy combined with Energy dispersive spectroscopy and Thermalgravimetric analysis.

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly Styrene-Co-Poly 2-Hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) Copolymer and an Investigation of Free-Radical Copolymerization Propagation Kinetics by Solvent Effects

A series of homo and copolymers of styrene (ST) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in three different media (bulk, tetrahydrofuran, and benzene) have been investigated by free radical polymerization method. The samples obtained from the synthesis were characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that the synthesis of the polymers is more feasible under neat conditions rather than solvent directed reaction. Moreover, the DSC data shows that the polystyrene obtained is amorphous in nature and therefore displayed only a glass transition signal rather than crystallization and melting peaks. In addition, this study indicates that homolopolymerization of styrene via free radical polymerization tends to be preferable in less polar solvents like THF than in non-polar solvents like benzene. Benzene might destabilize the formation of the reactive radicals leading to the formation of the products. In summary, the homolpolymerization of styrene is more feasible than the homopolymerization 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate under the experimental setup used. Styrene is more reactive than 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate than free radical polymerization reaction due in part of the generation of the benzylic radical intermediate which is more stable leading to the formation of products than alkyl radical which are less stable. Furthermore, polymerization of styrene under neat conditions is preferable in solvent-assisted environments. The choice of solvent for the synthesis of these polymers is crucial and therefore the selection of solvent that leads to the formation of a more stable reaction intermediate is more favorable. It is worth noting that the structure of the proposed copolymer consists of a highly polar and hydrophilic monomer, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and a highly non-polar and hydrophobic monomer, styrene. These functionalities constitute an amphiphilic copolymer with diverse characteristics. A plausible explanation underlying our observations is that the reaction conditions employed in the synthesis of these copolymers might not be the right route required under free radical polymerization.

MONOMER REACTIVITY RATIO AND THERMAL PERFORMANCE OFα-METHYL STYRENE AND GLYCIDYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMERS

Synthesis and characterization of the copolymers （PAG） of α-methyl styrene （AMS） and glycidyl methacrylate （GMA） are presented. The copolymers of PAG were characterized by gel permeation chromatography （GPC）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）, nuclear magnetic resonance （^1H-NMR） and thermogravimetery （TG）. Based on the copolymer compositions determined by ^1H-NMR, the reactivity ratios of AMS and GMA were found to be 0.105 ± 0.012 and 0.883 ± 0.046 respectively by Kelen-Tudos method. TG revealed that thermal stability of the copolymers decreased with increasing the AMS content in the copolymers, which indicated that the degradation was mainly caused by the chain scission of AMS-containing structures. Under heating, the copolymers depolymerize at their weak bonds and form chain radicals, which could further initiate other chemical reactions.

Genotoxic and Nongenotoxic Effects of Glycidyl Methacrylate on Human Lung Fibroblast Cells

Objective To evaluate the genotoxic and nongenotoxic effects of short-term exposure to glycidyl mathacrylate (GMA) on human lung fibroblast cells (2BS cells) in vitro. Methods DNA strand breakage was determined by single cell gel electrophoresis, and DNA ladder formation assay and flow cytometric analysis were carried out to detect apoptic responses of cells to GMA exposure. The HPRT gene mutation assay was used to evaluate the mutagenicity, and the effect of GMA on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in the exposed cells was examined with the scrape loading/dye transfer technique. The ability of GMA to transform 2BS cells was also tested by an in vitro cell transformation assay. Results Exposure to GMA resulted in a dose-dependent increase in DNA strand breaks but not apoptic responses. GMA was also shown to significantly induce HPRT gene mutations and morphological transformation in 2BS cells in vitro. In contrast, GMA produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of GJIC. Conclusions GMA elicits both genotoxic and nongenotoxic effects on 2BS cells in vitro. The induction of DNA damage and gene mutations and inhibition of GJIC by GMA may casually contribute to GMA-induced cell transformation.

Experimental Study on Malignant Transformation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Induced by Glycidyl Methacrylate and Analysis on its Methylation

Objective To establish the model of human bronchial epithelial cells （16HBE） malignant transformation induced by glycidyl methacrylate （GMA） and define the different methylation genes at different stages. Methods DNA was extracted at different 16HBE malignant phases and methylation at different stages were detected using Methylation chip of Promoter Microarray Methylation＇. Methylation-specific PCR （MSP） was methylation status of some genes, and then compared with the control groups. changes of genes DNA ＇NimbleGen HG18 CpG used to observe the Results The result showed that GMA induced 16HBE morphorlogical transformation at the dose of 8 I^g/mL, and cell exposed to GMA had 1 374 genes in protophase, 825 genes in metaphase, 1 149 genes in anaphase, respectively; 30 genes are all methylation in the 3 stages; 318 genes in protophase but not in metaphase and anaphase; 272 genes in metaphase but not in protophase and anaphase; 683 genes in anaphase but not in metaphase and protophase; 73 genes in protophase and metaphase but not in anaphase; 67 genes in protophase and anaphase but not in metaphase; 59 genes in metaphase and anaphase but not in protophase. Conclusion The pattern of DNA methylation could change in the process of 16HBE induced by GMA.

Genes Differentially Expressed in Human Lung Fibroblast Cells Transformed by Glycidyl Methacrylate

Objective To define the differences in gene expression patterns between glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-transformed human lung fibroblast cells (2BS cells) and controls. Methods The mRNA differential display polymerase chain reaction (DD-PCR) technique was used. cDNAs were synthesized by reverse transcription and amplified by PCR using 30 primer combinations. After being screened by dot blot analysis, differentially expressed cDNAs were cloned, sequenced and confirmed by Northern blot analysis. Results Eighteen differentially expressed cDNAs were cloned and sequenced, of which 17 were highly homologous to known genes (homology = 89%-100%) and one was an unknown gene. Northern blot analysis confirmed that eight genes encoding human zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217), mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK-3), ribosomal protein (RP) L15, RPL41, RPS16, TBX3, stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) and mouse ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (UBC), respectively, were up-regulated, and three genes including human transforming growth factor b inducible gene (Betaig-h3), a-1,2-mannosidase 1A2 (MAN 1A2) gene and an unknown gene were down-regulated in the GMA-transformed cells. Conclusion Analysis of the potential function of these genes suggest that they may be possibly linked to a variety of cellular processes such as transcription, signal transduction, protein synthesis and growth, and that their differential expression could contribute to the GMA-induced neoplastic transformation.

Cerium Methacrylate Assisted Preparation of Highly Thermally Conductive and Anticorrosive Multifunctional Coatings for Heat Conduction Metals Protection

Preparing polymeric coatings with well corrosion resistance and high thermal conductivity(TC)to prolong operational life and ensure service reliability of heat conductive metallic materials has long been a substantive and urgent need while a difficult task.Here we report a multifunctional epoxy composite coating(F-CB/CEP)by synthesizing cerium methacrylate and ingeniously using it as a novel curing agent with corrosion inhibit for epoxy resin and modifier for boron nitride through"cation-π"interaction.The prepared F-CB/CEP coating presents a high TC of 4.29 W m^(−1)K^(−1),which is much higher than other reported anti-corrosion polymer coatings and thereby endowing metal materials coated by this coating with outstanding thermal management performance compared with those coated by pure epoxy coating.Meanwhile,the low-frequency impedance remains at 5.1×10^(11)Ωcm^(2)even after 181 days of immersion in 3.5 wt%NaCl solution.Besides,the coating also exhibits well hydrophobicity,self-cleaning properties,temperature resistance and adhesion.This work provides valuable insights for the preparation of high-performance composite coatings with potential to be used as advanced multifunctional thermal management materials,especially for heat conduction metals protection.

Studies of the Genotoxicity of Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)

The following experiments were conducted to evaluate the genotoxic effects of GMA (glycidyl methacrylale) on mammalian and human cells.(1) Using the absorption spectrum shift method in vitro, we observed that the maximums of calf thymus DNA and GMA were shifted toward longer wavelengths (a change of more than 15nm) and the absorbance decreased after incubation at room temperature for 15min or more.The result indicates that binding of DNA and GMA had occurred.The binding force is strong, not affected by the addition of concentrated sodium chloride solution, and only slightly decreased by the addition of 8 M urea solution.Therefore the bond between DNA and GMA might be covalent.(2) In cell cultures, unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in human and/or rat lymphocyte was induced and DNA semiconserva-tive replication was inhibited by GMA at concentrations of less than 5.2 mM.(3) Sperm abnormality tests and assays of UDS in germ cells of male mice were conducted to study the in vivo genotoxicity of GMA.The results revealed that GMA could damage DNA, increase sperm abnormality frequency, and reduce the number of sperm cells, 1990 Academic Press.Inc.

Preparation and Thermo-Responsive Properties of Poly(Oligo(Ethylene Glycol)Methacrylate)Copolymers with Hydroxy-Terminated Side Chain

Thermo-responsive random copolymers,poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxyethyl methacrylate-co-(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate)(P(EO_(2)-co-EO_(4/5)))and poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol methacrylate(P(EO2-co-EG4/5))are synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization(ATRP).The successful synthesis and the narrow polydispersity index(PDI)of two copolymers are indicated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance(1H-NMR)and gel permeation chromatography(GPC)analyses.The transition behaviors of polymers in the aqueous solution are demonstrated by changes in turbidity and particle sizes.The transition behavior of P(EO2-co-EG4/5)is found to be milder than that of P(EO2-co-EO4/5).Moreover,the presence of hydrogen bonds without thermo-responsive properties established by hydroxyl groups in the end-side chain of P(EO_(2)-co-EG_(4/5))hinders the dehydration at the transition temperature(TT).Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrometry(ATR-FTIR)analysis along with contact angle measurements reveals that both P(EO_(2)-co-EO_(4/5))and P(EO_(2)-co-EG_(4/5))films undergo phase transitions from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity above TT.By examining the swelling and collapse behaviors of the polymer films during phase transitions,it can be concluded that the end hydroxyl groups may establish hydrogen bonds with neighboring ether groups within the films,which remain intact throughout the phase transition process due to their strong bonding interactions.This leads to an increase in steric hindrance within swollen films thereby impeding dehydration processes and inducing hysteresis during phase transitions.

Analysis of the Phenotype and the Restriction Enzyme Mapping Level of Mutations Induced by the New Mutagen Glycidyl Methacrylate

Glycidyl methaerylate (GMA) is a recently recognized chemical mutagen. In order to explore the mutagenicity and mutagenic process of GMA, plasmid pBR322 was used for in vitro binding, mutant screening, and restriction enzyme mapping. The binding between GMA and DNA in vitro has been verified by means of a spectrophotometric method. When pBR322 and GMAbound pBR322 were used to transform Eschenchia coli HB101, the following results were obtained: (1) The transformation efficiency of GMA-bound pBR322 was much lower than that of pBR322 alone. (2) GMA-bound pBR322 induced phenotype changes in competent cells (i.e., tetracycline-resistance inactivation or ampicillin-resistance inactivation). There were two mutants of pBR322, Ap~RTc~S and Ap~STc~R, in the transformants and a deductive mutant Ap~STc~S in the nontranstormants. (3) All of the selected mutants were stable and heritable. (4) When restriction enzyme maps were used to analyze the mutant Ap~RTc~S, four of seven maps were changed. some sites were shifted to other resistant gene regions, for example, sites of Bgll, EcoRl, Ilindlll. Hinclll, etc., and there was a new recognition site for Hindi (252). We did not observe any DNA fragment insertion or deletion on any maps. Our results suggest that when GMA is covalently linked to the plasmid DNA, it gives rise to a premutagenic lesion of DNA that is converted in vivo into a point mutation. (C)1990 Academic Press, Inc.

Poly(Glycidyl Methacrylates)-grafted Zinc Oxide Nanowire by Surface-initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Poly(glycidyl methacrylates)(PGMA) was grafted from zinc oxide(ZnO) nanowires via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization(SI-ATRP) technique.Firstly,the ZnO nanowires were synthesized by the one-pot hydrothermal technique.Subsequently,the ZnO was functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane,which was converted to macroinitiator by the esterification of them with 2-bromopropionyl bromide.PGMA grafted ZnO nanowires(PGMA-ZnO) were then synthesized in an ATRP of the GMA with CuCl/2,2`-bipyridine as the catalyst system.Kinetics studies revealed an approximate linear increase in weight of polymer with reaction time,indicating that the polymerization process owned some "living" character.The structure and composition of PGMA-ZnO were characterized with scanning electron microscope(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray(EDX) spectrometer,fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA).

PREPARATION OF LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLY(GLYCIDYL METHACRYLATE) BY PHOTOPOLYMERIZATION

Low molecular weight poly（glycidyl methacrylate）s （PGMAs） were prepared by photopolymerization in ethyl acetate, with benzophenone （BP） as photoinitiator, and triethylamine （TEA） as hydrogen donor. The existence of semipinacol dormant end groups in PGMA was confirmed by FT-IR and ^1H-NMR, and the content of the semipinacol dormant groups was determined quantitatively by ^1H-NMR measurement. The effects of various thctors, such as reaction time, BP concentration and monomer concentration on the synthesis of the polymers were investigated systematically. The molecular weights of the polymers were also investigated with GPC. It is shown that increasing BP concentration and decreasing irradiation time and monomer concentration led to a significant decrease of the molecular weights.

MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS INDUCED BY GLYCIDYL METHACRYLATE

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)is a recently recognized mutagen. In order to explore the mutagenicity and mechanism of GMA, plasmid PBR322 was used for in vitro binding, mutant screening, restriction enzyme mapping,and DNA sequencing. To explore the mechamism by which an initial premutational event is converted into a stable heritable mutation, pBR322 and GMA-bound pBR322 were transformed into E. coli HB101 , and the following results were obtained : 1) GMA-bound PBR322 induced phenotype changes in competent cells. Two stable and heritable mutants were isolated (Ap￣RTc￣S and Ap￣STc￣R). 2) When restriction enzyme mapping was used to analyze the mutant Ap￣RTc￣S , four of seven maps showed changes, but no large DNA insertion or deletion were observed.3) The frequency of deletion and insertion forms counted about 10%. Sequence specificity and hot spot regions were evident in the sequence analysis of mutated plasmid. The above results indicate that the premutagenic lesions of plasmid induced by GMA can be converted into point mutations in vivo.

Scavenging Properties of the Polyamine Functionalized Gels Based on the Glycidyl Methacrylate Terpolymers

Scavenging abilities of the ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine and tris(2-aminoethyl)amine functionalized resins derived from the low cross-linked glycidyl methacrylate-styrene gels in relation to the selected transition metal ions and organic (acid chlorides) electrophiles were explored. The synergetic effects of the solvents were found for the metal ion uptake. In this case a pair of solvents capable simultaneously to swell the hydrophobic core of the resins and interact with the polar amine groups turned out to be a more effective medium for activation of the nucleophilic functionalities of the resins. The resin with ethylenediamine moieties proved to be effective in scavenging acyl chlorides from methylene chloride as well. However, it did not provide complete removing sulphonyl chlorides from the solutions. These organic electrophiles were removed effectively by the resins bearing tris(2-aminoethyl)amine functionalities.

Removal of nickel(Ⅱ) from aqueous solutions using iminodiacetic acid functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate grafted-carbon fibers

Iminodiacetic acid functionalized polyglycidyl methacrylate grafted-carbon fibers(PGMA-IDA/CFs) were prepared for Ni(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The effects of solution p H value, temperature and adsorption time were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Ni(II) on PGMA-IDA/CFs is 0.923 mmol·L-1· g-1at pH 5.2 and 50 °C. Kinetic data indicate that the adsorption process matches the pseudo-second-order model and Elovich kinetic model. Thermodynamic data suggest that the adsorption process is endothermic spontaneous reaction.

DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL CHIRAL IONIC LIQUIDS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL METHACRYLATE

Two new chiral ionic liquids, 1 -((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphateand 1-((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-hexadecylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, were designed an d prepared. Theirchemical structures were characterized by ~1H-NMR. Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate(MMA) in these two ionic liquids was carried out using AIBN/CuCl_2/bipy as the initiating system. The resultant well-definedpolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was employed as a macroinitiator to induce the atom transfer radical polymerization ofmenthyl methacrylate (MnMA) in chlorobenzene, which yielded a PMMA-b-PMnMA diblock copolymer with narrow polydispersity.

Polybutylacrylate/poly(methyl methacrylate) Core-Shell Elastic Particles as Epoxy Resin Toughener: Part I Design and Preparation

Polybutylacrylate (PBA)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) core-shell elastic particles (CSEP), whose rubbery core diameter ranged from 0.08 μm to 1.38μm, were synthesized by using conventional emulsion polymerization, multi-step emulsion polymerization, and soapless polymerization. Allyl methacylate (ALMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were selected as crosslinking reagents for core polymerization. Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used as functional co-monomer with methyl methacrylate as shell component. The content of vinyl groups in PBA rubbery core increased with the amount of crosslinking reagents. The core-shell ratio affected great on the morphology of the complex particles. Furthermore, the amounts of carboxyl on the surface of core-shell particles, copolymerized with acrylic acid, were determined by potentiometric titration. Results showed that methylacrylic acid was distributed mostly on the surface of particles.

MgO–SBA-15 Supported Pd–Pb Catalysts for Oxidative Esterification of Methacrolein with Methanol to Methyl Methacrylate

Novel Mg O–SBA-15 supported catalysts were prepared for oxidative esterification of methacrolein(MAL) with methanol to methyl methacrylate(MMA). The Mg O–SBA-15 supports were synthesized with different magnesia loadings from different magnesium precursors and hydrochloric acid molar concentrations. The Mg O–SBA-15 supports and Pd–Pb/Mg O–SBA-15 catalysts were characterized by several analysis methods. The results revealed that the addition of Mg O improved the ordered structure of SBA-15 supports and provided surface alkalinity of SBA-15 supports. The average size of the Pd3 Pb particles on magnesia-modified Pd–Pb/Mg O–SBA-15 catalysts was smaller than that on the pure silica-based Pd–Pb/SBA-15 catalysts. The experiments on catalyst performance showed that the magnesia-modified Pd–Pb/Mg O–SBA-15 catalysts had higher activity than pure silica-based Pd–Pb/SBA-15 catalysts, showing the strong dependence of catalytic activity on the average size of active particles. The difference of activity between Pd–Pb/SBA-15 catalysts and Pd–Pb/Mg O–SBA-15 catalysts was due to the discrepant structural properties and surface alkalinity provided by Mg O, which led to the different Pd3 Pb particle sizes and then resulted in the different number of active sites. Besides magnesia loadings, other factors, such as hydrochloric acid molar concentration and magnesium precursors, had considerable influences on the catalytic activity.

Novel ionic liquids as reaction medium for atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate

Atom transfer radical polymerization （ATRP） of methyl methacrylate （MMA） employing ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate （EBiB）/ CuBr as the initiating system was investigated at 50 ℃ in the absence of any additional ligand in the three room temperature ionic liquids （RTILs）, 1-methyl-imidazolium acetate （[mim][CH3COO]）, 1-methylimidazolium propionate （[mim][CH3CH2COO]） and 1-methylimidazolium butyrate （[mim][CH3CH2CH2COO]）, respectively. All the polymerization in the three RTILs proceeded in a well-controlled manner. The sequence of the apparent polymerization rate constants was kapp（[mim][CH3COO]） 〉 kapp（[mim] [CH3CH2COO]） 〉 kapp （[mim][CH3CH2CH2COO]）.

Evaluation of three-dimensional biofilms on antibacterial bonding agents containing novel quaternary ammonium methacrylates

Antibacterial adhesives are promising to inhibit biofilms and secondary caries. The objectives of this study were to synthesize and incorporate quaternary ammonium methacrylates into adhesives, and investigate the alkyl chain length effects on three-dimensional biofilms adherent on adhesives for the first time. Six quaternary ammonium methacrylates with chain lengths of 3, 6, 9, 12, 16 and 18 were synthesized and incorporated into Scotchbond Multi-Purpose. Streptococcus mutans bacteria were cultured on resin to form biofilms. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to measure biofilm thickness, live/dead volumes and live-bacteria percentage vs. distance from resin surface. Biofilm thickness was the greatest for Scotchbond control; it decreased with increasing chain length, reaching a minimum at chain length 16. Live-biofilm volume had a similar trend. Dead-biofilm volume increased with increasing chain length. The adhesive with chain length 9 had 37% live bacteria near resin surface, but close to 100% live bacteria in the biofilm top section. For chain length 16, there were nearly 0% live bacteria throughout the three-dimensional biofilm. In conclusion, strong antibacterial activity was achieved by adding quaternary ammonium into adhesive, with biofilm thickness and live-biofilm volume decreasing as chain length was increased from 3 to 16. Antibacterial adhesives typically only inhibited bacteria close to its surface; however, adhesive with chain length 16 had mostly dead bacteria in the entire three-dimensional biofilm. Antibacterial adhesive with chain length 16 is promising to inhibit biofilms at the margins and combat secondary caries.